The JEE Main Chemistry Syllabus 2026 has been officially released by the National Testing Agency on the official website of the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) (jeemain.nta.nic.in). The syllabus is primarily based on NCERT Class 11 and Class 12 Chemistry textbooks and remains largely consistent with the previous year's syllabus. Chemistry is one of the three core subjects in JEE Main 2026, and it is often considered a scoring section due to its balanced mix of conceptual theory and application-based questions.
The syllabus is divided into three major branches:
Physical Chemistry – Includes topics such as atomic structure, thermodynamics, equilibrium, chemical kinetics, electrochemistry, and solutions. This section typically involves numerical and concept-based questions.
Inorganic Chemistry – Covers periodic classification, chemical bonding, p-block, d-block and f-block elements, and coordination compounds. Questions are generally fact-based and concept-driven.
Organic Chemistry – Focuses on hydrocarbons, functional groups, reaction mechanisms, named reactions, biomolecules, and practical organic chemistry concepts.
Recent exam trends (2024–2025 sessions) indicate:
Increased numerical and graph-based questions in Physical Chemistry
Assertion-reason and fact-based questions in Inorganic Chemistry
Mechanism-oriented and reaction-based questions in Organic Chemistry
Candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly using NCERT textbooks and the official syllabus PDF available on the NTA portal.
Table of Contents
What is the JEE Main Chemistry Syllabus Exam Pattern?
The Chemistry section follows the pattern defined in the official JEE Main 2026 syllabus released by the National Testing Agency and it is part of Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech) and is conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. Chemistry contains 25 questions worth 100 marks, just like Physics and Mathematics. The pattern includes two types of questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Numerical Value Questions, all of which are compulsory to attempt.
Parameter
Details
Total Questions
25
MCQ Questions
20
Numerical Value Questions
5
Total Marks
100
Marking Scheme
+4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect
Time Allotted
Part of 3-hour exam (total for Physics, Chemistry & Maths)
All 25 questions in the Chemistry section must be attempted. The section is part of the total 75 questions asked in Paper 1 of the Joint Entrance Examination (Main).
JEE Main Chemistry Syllabus: Section-wise
The JEE Main Chemistry syllabus is divided into three major sections: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. These sections include multiple topics derived primarily from NCERT Class 11 and Class 12 textbooks. The syllabus focuses on conceptual understanding, numerical problem-solving, and application-based questions.
Section
Key Topics Covered
Approx. Weightage
Physical Chemistry
Mole Concept, Atomic Structure, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Solutions
30–35%
Inorganic Chemistry
Periodicity, Chemical Bonding, p-Block, d- and f-Block Elements, Coordination Compounds
What is the Weightage for JEE Main Chemistry Syllabus 2026?
The Chemistry section in Joint Entrance Examination (Main) generally shows a balanced distribution among Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry. Based on the analysis of recent papers from 2021–2025, the weightage remains relatively stable across sessions, though the exact number of questions may vary slightly between exam shifts.
The distribution of questions across Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry is generally balanced, though the exact number of questions may vary between exam shifts.
Section
Expected Questions
Approx. Weightage
Marks
Physical Chemistry
7–9
30–35%
28–36
Inorganic Chemistry
6–8
25–30%
24–32
Organic Chemistry
8–10
35–40%
32–40
JEE Main Chemistry Syllabus Section-Wise Trends Analysis
Recent exam analysis shows that each section follows a distinct pattern in the type of questions asked.
Section
Approx. Questions
Recent Trend
Key Focus Areas
Physical Chemistry
7–9
Numerical and formula-based questions increasing
Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Chemical Kinetics, Solutions
Inorganic Chemistry
6–8
Theory-based and NCERT-focused
Coordination Compounds, Chemical Bonding, p-Block Elements
Organic Chemistry
8–10
Reaction-mechanism and application-based
GOC, Aldehydes & Ketones, Amines, Biomolecules
High-Weightage Chapters for JEE Main Chemistry 2026
(Based on Previous Year Trends)
Analysis of the past five years of JEE Main papers (2021–2025) indicates that a few chapters consistently contribute a significant share of questions. Focusing on these topics can help candidates maximize their scores.
Rank
Chapter/Topic
Section
Expected Questions
Why Important
1
Coordination Compounds
Inorganic
2–3
Frequently repeated concepts like isomerism and nomenclature
2
Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
Inorganic/Physical
2–3
Conceptual questions on hybridization and VSEPR
3
Thermodynamics
Physical
1–2
Numerical problems on enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs energy
4
Chemical and Ionic Equilibrium
Physical
1–2
pH calculations and equilibrium constants
5
General Organic Chemistry (GOC)
Organic
2–3
Foundation for most Organic Chemistry reactions
6
Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids
Organic
1–2
Important reaction-mechanism questions
7
Atomic Structure and Periodicity
Physical/Inorganic
1–2
Conceptual and direct questions
8
p-Block Elements
Inorganic
1–2
NCERT-based theoretical questions
9
Electrochemistry
Physical
1–2
Nernst equation and electrochemical cells
10
Biomolecules
Organic
1
Direct theory-based questions
Deleted Topics from JEE Main Chemistry Syllabus 2026
The most recent major revision of the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) Chemistry syllabus was announced by the National Testing Agency in November 2023, when the updated syllabus for JEE Main 2024 was released. The revised syllabus removed or streamlined several chapters from the earlier NCERT-based syllabus to reduce redundancy.
For JEE Main 2026, the Chemistry syllabus remains unchanged from the revised 2024–2025 syllabus. Students preparing for the exam should therefore follow the currently prescribed topics listed in the official syllabus.
Section
Deleted Units / Topics
Physical Chemistry
States of Matter (Gaseous and Liquid State), Surface Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Hydrogen, s-Block Elements, Environmental Chemistry, General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Metals
Organic Chemistry
Polymers, Chemistry in Everyday Life
Other Adjustments
Certain minor subtopics were removed or reorganized in accordance with the updated NCERT curriculum and the revised syllabus released by the National Testing Agency.
Note: These changes were implemented from JEE Main 2024 onwards and continue to apply to JEE Main 2026.
How Many Questions Come from Chemistry in JEE Main 2026?
In the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) Paper 1 (B.E./B.Tech), Chemistry contributes 25 questions out of the total 75 questions in the exam. Each question carries 4 marks, making the Chemistry section worth 100 marks out of the total 300 marks.
Because the section contains fewer lengthy calculations compared to Mathematics and Physics, many students attempt Chemistry first during the exam.
Is Chemistry the Most Scoring Subject in JEE Main 2026?
Chemistry is often considered one of the most scoring sections in Joint Entrance Examination (Main), primarily because a significant portion of questions, especially in Inorganic Chemistry, are directly based on NCERT concepts and theory.
Compared with Physics and Mathematics, Chemistry questions typically involve:
Conceptual or fact-based questions
Moderate numerical calculations
Faster solving time
As a result, many candidates are able to attempt the Chemistry section quickly and with higher accuracy, which can improve their overall exam score. However, performance ultimately depends on individual preparation and conceptual clarity, particularly in Physical and Organic Chemistry.
These chapters frequently produce direct or concept-based questions, making them useful for quick score improvement during revision.
JEE Main Chemistry Marks vs Percentile (Previous Year Trends)
Marks required to achieve a particular percentile in the Chemistry section of Joint Entrance Examination (Main) vary each year depending on exam difficulty and normalization across shifts. The following marks vs percentile estimates are based on analysis of previous exam sessions and may vary depending on exam difficulty and normalization across shifts conducted by the National Testing Agency.
Percentile Range
Approx. Chemistry Marks
99.9+
80+
99.5+
70–75
99+
65–70
98+
55–65
97+
50–58
96+
45–54
95+
42–50
94+
40–47
93+
38–44
92+
36–42
91+
34–40
90+
33–38
Note: These values are approximate estimates derived from previous exam analysis and may vary depending on the difficulty level of the paper and normalization process.
Best Books for JEE Main Chemistry 2026
Preparing for the Chemistry section of Joint Entrance Examination (Main) requires a combination of conceptual clarity, NCERT understanding, and regular problem practice. The following books are widely recommended by coaching institutes and previous JEE qualifiers.
Book Name
Author / Publisher
NCERT Chemistry (Class 11 & 12)
National Council of Educational Research and Training
Physical Chemistry
O. P. Tandon
Organic Chemistry
M. S. Chauhan
Problems in Physical Chemistry
Narendra Awasthi
Modern Approach to Chemical Calculations
R. C. Mukherjee
Inorganic Chemistry
V.K. Jaiswal
Numerical Chemistry
P. Bahadur
Organic Chemistry for JEE
Himanshu Pandey
Preparation Tip: Among these resources, NCERT Chemistry Class 11 and Class 12 remain the most important books for preparing the JEE Main Chemistry syllabus 2026, especially for Inorganic Chemistry.
JEE Main Chemistry Preparation Plan (2-Month Strategy)
A focused 60-day preparation plan can help candidates revise the entire Chemistry syllabus before the exam. This strategy emphasizes concept revision, question practice, and previous-year papers.
Time Period
Focus Chapters
Practice Strategy
Suggested Questions
Day 1–4
Mole Concept, Atomic Structure
NCERT examples + basic numericals
100–120
Day 5–7
Chemical Bonding, Periodic Table
Concept revision + PYQs
120–140
Day 8–11
General Organic Chemistry, Hydrocarbons
Mechanisms + practice problems
130–150
Day 12–15
Thermodynamics, Equilibrium
Numerical practice + PYQs
120–150
Day 16–19
Haloalkanes & Haloarenes
Reaction mechanisms + concept revision
130–160
Day 20–23
Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers
Practice reaction-based questions
130–160
Day 24–27
Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids
Reaction mechanisms + PYQs
150–180
Day 28–31
Amines and Biomolecules
NCERT-based revision
100–120
Day 32–36
p-Block Elements (Groups 13–18)
NCERT reading + PYQs
120–140
Day 37–40
Chemical Kinetics, Solutions
Numerical practice
120–150
Day 41–43
Coordination Compounds
NCERT + conceptual questions
120
Day 44–46
d- and f-Block Elements
NCERT revision
100–120
Day 47–60
Full Revision & Mock Tests
Chapter tests + previous year papers
150–200
Recommended practice during the final revision phase:
Solve previous 10–15 years of JEE Main Chemistry questions
Attempt full-length mock tests regularly
Revise NCERT theory and important reactions daily
How Much Chemistry Syllabus Should a JEE Main Dropper Cover?
Students repeating Joint Entrance Examination (Main) should ideally aim to complete the entire Chemistry syllabus, as the subject offers a strong opportunity to improve overall scores.
Recommended Preparation Strategy
Start with NCERT
NCERT textbooks should be the primary resource, especially for Inorganic Chemistry, as many questions are directly derived from NCERT concepts.
Focus on High-Weightage Chapters First
Important chapters frequently appearing in JEE Main include:
Coordination Compounds
Chemical Bonding
Thermodynamics
Equilibrium
Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
These chapters often contribute multiple questions in the exam.
Approach Each Section Differently
Physical Chemistry
Focus on formulas and numerical practice
Maintain a separate formula notebook
Organic Chemistry
Understand General Organic Chemistry (GOC) and reaction mechanisms first
Then learn named reactions and functional group transformations
Inorganic Chemistry
Revise NCERT regularly
Memorize trends, reactions, and exceptions
Practice Previous Year Questions
Solving 10–15 years of JEE Main previous papers helps understand the actual exam pattern and frequently tested concepts.
Target Score
In recent JEE Main sessions, scoring around 60–70 marks in Chemistry often corresponds to high percentiles (around 99 percentile), though the exact marks vary depending on exam difficulty and normalization.
READ MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NCERT enough for JEE Main Chemistry?
NCERT is sufficient for Inorganic Chemistry where 80-90% questions come directly from the textbook. For Organic Chemistry, NCERT covers fundamental concepts but additional reference books help with reaction mechanisms. Physical Chemistry requires extra practice for numerical problems from books like Narendra Awasthi. Reddit users consistently recommend reading NCERT line-by-line at least 3-5 times.
What is the 80/20 rule in JEE Mains Chemistry?
The 80/20 rule means approximately 80% of questions come from 20% of high-priority chapters. Chapters like Coordination Compounds, Chemical Bonding, GOC, and Thermodynamics appear consistently. Focusing on these chapters first improves accuracy and reduces study load. Quora users suggest prioritizing these chapters during the final revision phase.
Which section of Chemistry is easiest to score?
Inorganic Chemistry is the easiest to score full marks. Questions come directly from NCERT lines, tables, and diagrams. Many Reddit threads confirm that students who memorize NCERT Inorganic Chemistry thoroughly score 90%+ in this section. The key is repeated revision rather than understanding complex mechanisms.
How many questions come from each Chemistry section?
Physical Chemistry contributes 8-9 questions. Inorganic Chemistry contributes 7-8 questions. Organic Chemistry contributes 9-10 questions. The distribution may vary slightly across different shifts but remains within this range.
What topics were deleted from JEE Main Chemistry Syllabus 2026?
Deleted topics include Surface Chemistry, States of Matter, General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Metals, s-block elements, Hydrogen, Environmental Chemistry, Alcohol Phenol and Ether (detailed portions), and Polymers. Students should focus only on the updated syllabus.
Can I score 90+ in Chemistry in 2 months?
Scoring 90+ marks in Chemistry within 2 months is achievable with focused preparation. Reddit users who scored 95+ percentile recommend completing NCERT revision in the first 20 days, practicing PYQs in the next 20 days, and taking mock tests in the final 20 days. Chemistry rewards consistent revision over extensive study.
What Chemistry marks are needed for 99 percentile?
Scoring 70-80 marks in Chemistry typically results in 98-99.5 percentile. The exact correlation depends on overall paper difficulty and candidate performance. Aim for 65+ marks as a safe target for 99 percentile.
How is Chemistry percentile calculated?
Chemistry Percentile = 100 × (Number of candidates scoring equal to or less than your Chemistry score ÷ Total candidates in the session). NTA calculates percentile up to seven decimal places to avoid ties.
Does Chemistry percentile affect overall rank?
Yes, Chemistry percentile is used as a tiebreaker. When total percentile scores are equal, the candidate with higher Chemistry percentile receives a better rank after Mathematics and Physics comparisons.
Which Chemistry section has the highest weightage?
Organic Chemistry has the highest weightage at 35-40%, contributing 9-10 questions. Physical Chemistry follows at 30-35% with 8-9 questions. Inorganic Chemistry contributes 27-30% with 7-8 questions.
Does weightage change every year?
Weightage shifts slightly each year but high-weight chapters remain consistent. Coordination Compounds, Chemical Bonding, and GOC have maintained high weightage for the past 10 years. Minor variations occur based on paper setters.
Should I skip low-weightage chapters?
Skipping chapters is not advisable. Questions can appear from any part of the syllabus. Use weightage to prioritize preparation, not to eliminate chapters. Low-weightage chapters often contain easy, direct questions worth securing.
